Fort Worth daily gazette. (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1882-1891, 1887-02-17
CLEVELAND'S LAST VETO
He Returns the Drouth Relief Seed
Bill to the House Without His
Approval Thereto.
II Senators and Representatives Wish to
Aid the Texas Farmers They Gan
Do SO Readily.
VETOED.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 16.-The President
has vetoed the bill approprlating $4,000
for the distribution of seeds to the dronth
stricken counties of Texas.
WHAT THE PRESIDENT SAYS.
WASHINGTON, Feb. l6.-The following
is the message of the President vetoing
the bill for the distribution of seeds il
Texas:
To the House of Representatives:
l return without my approval House
bill No. ,205 entitled Gan act to enable
the Commissioner of Agriculture to make
a special distribution of seeds in the
drouth stricken counties of Texas
and making an appropriation therefor"
1t is represented that long, continued
and extensive drouth has existed in GER
tain portions OF the state of Texas, result
ing in the failure of crops and consequent
distress and restitution. Though there
has been some difference IN the state
ments concerning the extent OF the peo-
ple's needs in the localities thus affected,
there seems to be no doubt that there has
existed condition calling for relief, and
am willing to believe that notwithstand-
ing the aid already furnished, the dona
ton of seed grain to the farmers located
put in new crops would serve to avert
blight, and yet feel obliged to withhold
my approval of the plan proposed by this
bill TO indulge a benevolent and
preparation of public funds
for that purpose. 1 can find
no warrant for such an appropriation in
the constitution, and | do not believe the
power and duty of the general govern
ment ought to be extended to the relief
OF individual suffering which is in no
manner relateI to the public service or
benefit.
The prevalent tendency to disregard
the limited mission Of this power and
duty should, l think. be steadfastly re-
sisted to the end; that the lesson should
be constantly enforced; that the people
should support the government, and the
government should not support
the people. The friendliness of
the charity OF our country can always be
relied upon to relieve their fellow citizens
IN misfortune. This has been repeat
eddy and quite lately demonstrated.
Federal aid in such cases en-
courages the expectation of !paternal
care on the part of the government and
weakens the sturdiness of our national
character, while it prevents the indul-
gence among our people of that
kindly sentiment and conduct
which strengthens the bonds OF
common brotherhood. 1t is within my
personal knowledge that Individual
aid has to some extent already been eX-
tended to the sufferers mentioned
in this bill. The failure Of
the proposed appropriation OF $4,000
additional to meet their remaining
wants will not necessarily result in con-
tinued distress if the emergency is made
known to the people of the country, and
it is here suggested. The Commits
sioner of Agriculture is annually
directed to expend large sum Of
money for the purpose of propagation
and distribution Of seeds, and other
things of this description, two thirds
of which are upon the request OF Sen
ators, Representatives and Delegates in
Congress, supplied to them for distribution
among their constituents. The appro-
priation of the current year for this pur-
pose is 800, 900, and it will probably be
no less in the appropriation for the ensu-
ing year. | understand that large guam
tity of the grain has been furnished for
such distribution, and it is supposed that
this free apportionment among their
neighbors is privilege which was waived
by our Senators and Representatives.
If sufficient of them should request
the Commissioner of Agriculture to
send their shares of grain thus allowed
them to the suffering farmers of Texas
they might be enabled to sow their crops.
The constituents for whom in theory this
grain is intended could well bear tenn
porary deprivation and the donors would
experience the satisfaction of the attend
ing deeds OF charity.
Signed GROVER CLEVELAND.
Washington, D. c., Feb. 1G.